INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE
ISME was founded in 2006 by alumni from globally renowned institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University, Purdue University, and Wharton Business School (USA), ISME offers world-class management education with a focus on academic rigour, international perspectives, entrepreneurial thinking, and corporate alignment.ISME is part of the NVT Group, a diversified business conglomerate with a strong presence in the technology, defence, education, and real estate sectors.
ISME currently offers a Ph.D. in Management (Mysore University), Fellow Program in Management (AICTE), PGDM (AICTE), MCA (AICTE, Bangalore University), BBA, B.Com and BCA from Bangalore University. ISME is accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) and is in the process of obtaining EFMD accreditation, expected by 2026.
ISME has active collaborations with various leading educational institutions in the USA, Germany, France, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia. ISME leadership is very actively involved with leading industry associations in India. ISME is recognised as one of the top private B-Schools in Bangalore in the recent India Today rankings and other leading rankings of India.
Our greatest strengths as a management school have been our focus on Quality in Education, a professional approach to higher education, and to be able to give an international and open environment to our students. We have graduated over 2500 students in the past 20 years,
and many of them are doing extremely well in their careers in India and abroad. We have a world-class campus on Sarjapur Road, Bangalore.
International by Credentials and Culture
Management Development
Institute of Singapore
THWS, Germany
ThunderbirdSchool of
Global Management
Arizona
State University
Westcliff University,
Irvine, CA, USA
Belarusian
State University
Singapore
Institute of Management
ESC Clermont,
France
The University of
West Alabama
UNCP, USA
Universiti Putra
Malaysia
ISME Advantage
Driven by Excellence
- Ranked Top 30th B-School All India by Times of India, 2025
- 7th Top B-School in South by Times of India, 2025
- Ranked 5th Top B-School in Karnataka by CSR, 2025
- Top Business School of the Year for Best ROI by The Higher Education Review
- Ranked among Top 5 B-Schools in Bangalore by Business Today, 2025 and India Today
Focus & Rigorous
Learning for Dual Outcome
- Professional Qualification with Leadership Skills
- 100% Alignment of Curriculum with US CPA
- Outcome-based Training for HolisticDevelopment
- 50+ Accomplished Faculty with Practitioner Experience
Corporate-centric
Approach
- International Conferences, Panel Discussions and Guest Lectures
- Over 100 companies like PwC, Wells Fargo, E&Y, TCS, Deloitte recruit our students
- Over 1600 alumni working in MNCs in India and abroad
Over 100 companies for placements
Simandhar Education
Simandhar Education is an official partner of Becker and a channel partner of AICPA. It is well-known for its top-notch teaching, effective online CPA live classes and supporting the understudies all through their US CPA training period. Simandhar Education is committed to nurturing talent into capable, ethical, and future-ready professionals.
Founded with a vision to make high-quality, career-relevant education accessible,Simandhar blends rigorous academics with experiential learning, mentorship, and industry connect. Our programs are tailored to meet the needs of today’s employers while fostering innovation, leadership, and social responsibility.
Our Leaders
Dr. Nitin Garg
Founder Director
ISME, Bangalore
BTech & MTech, IIT Bombay,
MBA, Carnegie Mellon University, USA,
PhD (IIM Lucknow)
Dr. Nitin is a lead faculty for the Management Game from Carnegie Mellon University, USA. He is also one of the very few faculty members in India who teach the Business Strategy Game.
Sripal Jain
Co-Founder
Simandhar Education
Sripal Jain, CA and US CPA, is the co-founder and chief vision officer of Simandhar Education. A two-time “40 under 40 US accounting
professional” and ICAI top influencer, he mentors thousands through CPA, CMA, EA, and ACCA programs.
Why A PGDM with
US CPA Course?
A combined Business Management + Global Accounting
qualification gives you a powerful edge in today’s
- Double Advantage: Management + Professional License. You graduate with a PGDM for leadership roles and a US CPA credential that certifies you as a global accounting expert.
- International Recognition & Mobility: US CPA is globally respected—opening doors to Big 4, MNCs, consulting firms, and roles across the world.
- Higher Earning Potential: CPAs earn significantly more due to specialized skills in auditing, compliance, taxation, and financial reporting.
- Corporate-Ready Skillset:PGDM builds critical capabilities in:
- Strategy & business decision-making
- Leadership & operations
- Analytics & financial management
- CPA adds deep expertise in:
- Audit, risk & controls
- Global taxation
This combination prepares you for high-impact finance roles.
- Faster CPA Eligibility
- A PGDM gives the required 60 academic credits—making the CPA pathway smoother and faster.
- Strong Placement Outcomes: With dual qualifications, you stand out among peers for:
- Finance leadership tracks
- Consulting analyst roles
- Audit & assurance
- Corporate finance & FP&A
- Learn & Prepare Simultaneously
- CPA curriculum is a part of the PGDM curriculum to enable the reduction of coursework for the completion of PGDM
- Build competency while progressing towards certification.
- Live–Online Weekend Classes: Learn Without Compromising Your
Weekdays
- Faster CPA Eligibility
The program is designed especially for students and working professionals who want to upgrade without disrupting their current routine to work.
What does it take
to become a US CPA
Eligibility & Enrolment to US CPA Registration for ISME PGDM (Finance) + US CPA
Core Finance & Business Management Courses (9 Months)
All US CPA Course Preparations with Becker’s Premium Study Resources by Simandhar Education
Pass the four parts “Uniform US CPA Examination“ administered by AICPA
New-age AI Skill Enhancement Workshop
Complete 80 Credits (800 Semester Hours) Education as per AICTE requirements
Prior | Current work experience or ISME’s internship leads to the License requirements
Graduate as a Finance Management Professional and Practice as a Licensed US CPA
US CPA Highlights
US CPA Classes from SIMANDHAR with Certified Faculty from Big Accounting Firms & Investment Banks
Exam-matching Materials with Becker’s AICPA consulted guidance
PGDM (Finance) Classes from ISME by Faculty from Industry Experience
Start-to-end CPA, Evaluation & Licensing Support
Strong focus on Analytics, Finance, Emerging Technologies & Leadership
Access to Simandhar LMS, Becker content, MCQs, simulations, revision bootcamps
Becker US CPA Review
Key Features
Comprehensive Learning Content
- Updated textbooks (digital + optional printed) aligned with AICPA CPA Exam blueprints.
- 900+ expert-led video lectures for clear concept learning.
Powerful Practice Tools
- Thousands of MCQs + hundreds of Task-Based Simulations.
- Skill-Builder video solutions for step-by-step sim walkthroughs.
- Adaptive Adapt2U technology to personalize practice.
- Unlimited practice tests + mini exams.
- • Full-length Simulated Exams that mirror real CPA Exam interface.
Smart Study Support
- Mobile app with synced progress across devices.
- Digital/printed flashcards for quick revision.
- Customizable study planner to track your preparation.
- New™ AI Assistant for instant academic help and doubt-solving.
Instructor Support & Services
- Live online classes in higher-tier packages.
- One-on-one tutoring and success coaching available.
- Access to academic support experts.
Exam-Ready Advantages
- Content fully aligned with CPA Evolution (Core + Discipline).
- Pass Guarantee available (conditions apply).
- Try all three discipline modules before choosing your path.
Engagement & Extra Tools
- “Accounting for Empires” gamified learning experience.
- Printable notes and learning resources.
Evaluation Assistance
By Simandhar Education
US CPA Evaluation & Licensing
Assistance (End-to-End)
Service Inclusions:
- Complete end-to-end support for US CPA Evaluation Process
- Guidance and assistance throughout the Licensing Process
- Attestation support for licensing required documents
- Access to Simandhar LMS with the Evaluation Course Module only
- Dedicated support team for continuous coordination with the State Board until the candidate secures their initial CPA license
US CPA Modules
Auditing & Attestation (AUD)
- Ethics, Professional Responsibilities and General Principles
- Assessing Risk and Developing a Planned Response
- Performing Further Procedures and Obtaining Evidence
- Forming Conclusions and Reporting
Taxation & Regulation (REG)
- Ethics, Professional Responsibilities & Federal Tax Procedures
- Business Law
- Federal Taxation of Property Transactions
- Federal Taxation of Individuals
- Federal Taxation of Entities (including tax preparation)
Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)
- Business Analysis
- Technical Accounting & Reporting
- State and Local Governments
Financial Accounting & Reporting (FAR)
- Conceptual Framework, Standard-Setting & Financial Reporting
- Select Balance Sheet Accounts
- Select Transactions
Meet Your Faculty
ISME
Dr. Purnajit Chatterjee
Head – External Relations
Training & Consulting
Academic Qualifications: D.Litt.(H.C.) – University of Central America, PGDM – IIM Ahmedabad, M.Sc. (Operations Research) – St. Stephen’s College – Delhi University – Gold Medallist, B.Sc. (Hons.) – Mathematics – National
Prasad Dhulipalla
Senior Faculty
US CPA
Prasad is currently serving as Director of Grant Thornton’s KCC in Bangalore, India. Prasad leads the Central region of the US practice. From December 2014 till date Prasad is associated with INDUS. Prasad is a licensed CPA in Arizona and also a member of the AICPA.
Kiran Agarwal
Senior Faculty
US CPA
A Senior Manager in SEC Reporting and Technical Accounting at Exela Technologies, Kiran is an experienced faculty with core competencies in
financial reporting and compliance. Her proficiency in SQL and SAP ERP also underscores her commitment to accuracy and strategic financial oversight.
Sumit Tiwari
Senior Faculty
US CPA
Sumit is currently serving as CFO, TOX® Pressotechnik, India. He is widely experienced in all areas of Accounts, Finance, Taxation as well as Auditing. Previously qualified as a CA, US CMA and US CPA, he has recently added the Australian CPA to his repertoire.
AMRUTA R P
Assistant Professor
M.Com (Financial Management), CMA (intermediate), UGC NET, (Ph.D.) Academic Qualifications: M.Com (University of Calicut) CMA (intermediate – ICMAI) UGC NET in Commerce, (Ph.D.)
Dr. G. Y. VISHWANATH
Senior Associate Professor
B.Tech (Chemical), MBA, Ph.D. ((Manonmaniam Sundaranar University). Dr.G.Y.Vishwanath has over 32 years of experience in Management education and Industry. He is an expert in Derivatives, SAPM and capital markets.
ANKIT SHARMA
Assistant Professor
B.Com (Ahmedabad University)
M.Com Financial Analysis
(Jain deemed-to-be University) Ph.D. Scholar (Gujarat University)
UGC NET (Commerce)
INDRANIL DUTTA
Associate Professor
B.Tech (Hons.) in Chemical Engineering (Vidyasagar University, WB); PGDM (ICFAI Business School, Hyderabad)
Meet Your Faculty
Simandhar
Geetanjali Garg Singla
Senior Instructor, CA | US CPA
Geetanjali is a CPA and CA with 12+ years of experience in financial reporting, audits, tax consulting, and process optimization. She has led global firms like Morgan Stanley, HP, and Infosys. As a faculty head for US CPA and CMA. Her expertise spans US GAAP, financial analysis, audit mgmt, tax compliance, and ERP/Oracle systems.
Sabitra Panda
Senior Instructor
Data & AI Gen AI
Sabitra is a seasoned data scientist with 18 years of experience in AI/ML and analytics across investment banking, financial services,and
e-commerce. He brings both hands-on expertise and leadership experience, including building data science teams from scratch.
Prabodh Nayak
Senior Instructor, CA | US CMA
He brings strong industry experience as a Cost Analyst and Training Head, with deep expertise in Costing, Finance, Taxation (UK & US), and
Business Analytics. A mentor at heart, he equips students with Excel, Power BI, and AI-driven financial insights while guiding research and
market-strategy thinking.
Akshay Jaiswal
Senior Instructor, CA | US CPA
Akshay Jaiswal is a CA and CPA with 10+ years of experience in Business Finance and FP&A, specializing in strategic planning, corporate
reporting, and cost management. He combines deep industry insights with a passion for teaching, simplifying complex financial concepts
for learners.
Kapileshwar Bhalla
CA Instructor (FCA)
CA Kapileshwar Bhalla is a seasoned finance professional with 26+ years of expertise in accounting standards, financial reporting, and global compliance frameworks. An FCA, author, and corporate trainer, he specializes in Ind AS, IFRS, US GAAP, and sustainability standards,
Sripal Jain
Co-Founder & Lead Instructor
CA | US CPA
Mr. Sripal Jain, CA, CPA, is a first-generation entrepreneur Co-Founder, and lead faculty of Simandhar Education LLP (AICPA’s channel partner in India). He is an innovative and skilled professional with over a decade of industry experience in Audit, Corporate Finance, IFRS, GAAP, ICFR (SOX-404), and Finance.
Yukta Dua
CPA (USA)
Yukta Dua is a qualified Certified Public Accountant (CPA, USA) with a strong background in global accounting standards, financial reporting, and professional education. With a passion for simplifying complex finance concepts, Yukta has guided hundreds of aspiring finance professionals and students toward successful international careers.
Jaideep Singhal
Instructor, CA | EA
Jaideep Singhal, a CA and US CPA, is an academic achiever with All India Ranks in both CA Inter and Final. With experience at KPMG and a
PCAOB-registered firm, he brings strong expertise in US GAAP, audits, global financial systems, and international taxation. He has deep hands-on experience in US federal and state tax compliance, advisory, and IRS representation.
Testimonials
Pooja K, PGDM + US CPA
“ISME’s US CPA program is unparalleled.The faculty members are not only highly qualified but also incredibly approachable and supportive. They go the extra mile to ensure that each student fully grasps the material and feels confident going into the exams. The success I achieved is a direct result of their dedication and expertise.”
“I had been searching for the best US CPA coaching for months, and I finally found it at ISME. The faculty here is simply outstanding. They bring a wealth of real-world experience and deep knowledge to each class, making complex topics easy to understand.Thanks to their expert guidance and personalized support, I passed my CPA exams with flying colors!”
“The US CPA preparation at ISME is top-notch. The faculty’s depth of knowledge and teaching methodology are second to none. They provided me with all the tools and resources I needed to excel in my CPA exams. The individual attention and tailored feedback I received were invaluable in my preparation journey. ISME truly stands out as the best in the field.”
I completed PGDM along with the US CPA course at ISME. The detailed curriculum, supportive faculty, and AICTE-approved PGDM make the
program truly valuable. ISME also offers strong internship and placement opportunities, making it a comprehensive pathway for aspiring
CPAs.
Doing PGDM with US CPA at ISME has been one of my best decisions. The detailed curriculum, expert faculty, and strong support make learning easy and effective. ISME also provides an AICTE-approved PGDM along with excellent internship and placement opportunities.
The detailed curriculum and expert faculty make learning clear, structured, and easy to grasp. We also earn an AICTE-approved PGDM that
strengthens our managerial skills. ISME’s strong internship and placement support during my internship at Grant Thornton makes this a truly valuable learning experience.
Testimonials
G. Govardhana Abhiram
PGDM + US CPA 2022-24
Arushi Srivastava
PGDM + US CPA 2022-24
Arvind
PGDM + US CPA 2022-24
Shreya Suman
PGDM + US CPA 2022-24
US CPA:
Step-by-Step Application
& Certification Guide
Earning the US CPA designation involves more than just clearing the Uniform CPA Examination. From the initial application to obtaining the
final license, the journey can feel complex and overwhelming. That’s where we come in—to guide you step by step and simplify the entire
process. In this article, we walk you through the pathway to becoming a globally respected US Certified Public Accountant (US CPA).
- Steps to take the CPA Exam
- Uniform CPA Exam Syllabus
- Benefits of Earning CPA Certification
Steps to take the CPA Exam
At a minimum, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. A total of 120 credit hours is required to sit for the CPA exam, while 150 credit hours are mandatory for licensure. Typically, a 3-year bachelor’s program provides around 90 credits.
To bridge the credit gap, you can pursue a master’s degree. Review additional state-specific requirements, such as citizenship criteria or prerequisite coursework in accounting or business. Successfully clear all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination. For licensure,
complete 1–2 years of relevant accounting work experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. Clear the Ethics Exam as mandated by the respective state board.
Submit official transcripts from all institutions attended—including community colleges, junior colleges, and universities—to your chosen
State Board of Accountancy. Pay the evaluation fee specified by the board. The evaluation fee typically ranges between INR 20,000–30,000.
After eligibility verification by the State Board, apply for the CPA exam by submitting the required application form along with supporting documents. Depending on the state selected, application fees are approximately INR 15,000.
Once your application is approved, the State Board will issue an Authorization to Test (ATT). You must register for the CPA exam within 90 days of receiving the ATT. Log in to your NASBA account and pay the examination fees for the selected sections. As per the latest estimates, the total exam and international testing fees for all four sections in India are approximately INR 2 lakhs.
The Notice to Schedule (NTS) is an official document that permits you to appear for the CPA exam. It generally takes 3–6 weeks to receive the NTS after applying. Carefully verify all details mentioned on the NTS upon receipt. You will need this document while scheduling your exam on the Prometric website.
The Notice to Schedule (NTS) is an official document that permits you to appear for the CPA exam. It generally takes 3–6 weeks to receive the NTS after applying. Carefully verify all details mentioned on the NTS upon receipt. You will need this document while scheduling your exam on the Prometric website.
Schedule your exam sections through the Prometric Test Center website. Enter the exam section ID from your NTS along with the first four letters of your last name. Choose your preferred exam date, location, and sections. CPA exam centers in India are located in Hyderabad,
Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Thiruvananthapuram
Carry your NTS and two valid forms of identification on the exam day. Ensure that the name on your ID exactly matches the name on your NTS; discrepancies may result in disqualification. Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam.
Complete all four CPA exam sections. Fulfil the 150 credit-hour education requirement. Meet all residency and visa requirements, if applicable. Clear the Ethics Exam prescribed by your state, with fees typically ranging from INR 10,900–14,500.
Uniform CPA Exam Syllabus
Among the 3 discipline sections, you must qualify for 1 section. If you’ve already qualified the BEC section before 2024, you don’t need to take the discipline section.
Benefits of
Earning CPA Certification
- 1 US CPA is defined as the highest credential in the field of accounting.
- 2 It’s a globally acclaimed designation, including India.
- 3 Recruiters in public accounting firms like Big4 (KPMG, EY, PwC, and Deloitte) and other renowned companies from all over the globe actively hire US CPAs as they’re always in demand.
- 4 US CPAs can also work in the government sector, nonprofit organizations, the private sector, or run their own firm.
- 5 The basic average salary of a US CPA is 10-12 LPA. With years of experience and expertise in accounting, they can gradually increase their earnings.
PGDM + US CPA
Program Modules
Apply to ISME
Admission to the PGDM program at ISME is highly competitive. The Admissions team reviews applications on an individual basis, looking at both quantitative and qualitative aspects of an applicant’s professional and academic background. An elaborate selection process is followed to ensure quality enrolment.
Selection Process:
Stage 1: Complete Application Form from https://www.isme.in/ex/
Every applicant seeking admission to ISME needs to complete the Application Form online at https://www.isme.in/ex/, attach the required documents and submit the entire application to ISME’s Admission Office.
Stage 2: Personal Interview
Stage 3: Admission Decision
Admitted candidates are sent the Admission Offer letter. The admission would be final only after the receipt of confirmation of Admission Acceptance from the candidate and payment of the registration fee. Fee once paid is non-refundable.
Bank Loans: ISME is committed to assisting students in finding the necessary financial resources for their education and will assist in providing the necessary information for obtaining a bank loan. ISME guarantees support towards the student application for the educational loan process.
